Many hedgehogs suffer stress from being handled

The charity revealed almost half of all baby mammals handed in to them in the region in 2002 were hedgehogs.

Many suffered stress from being handled and, without learning survival tactics, often died following their release back into the wild.

The RSPCA said most were healthy but had been removed from their natural habitat by people who feared they had been abandoned or were in danger.

The charity said normally the mothers were hiding close by and waiting for the humans to leave.

Hunting skills

Of the 440 baby animals handed into the RSPCA in the North West in 2002, 205 were hedgehogs.

A large number of fox cubs were also admitted to wildlife hospitals by people who thought the animals had been orphaned.

The RSPCA said they were mainly healthy and had been outside learning how to develop survival and hunting skills while their parents watched from a safe distance.

Tim Thomas, the RSPCA's senior scientific officer, said: "Young wildlife can be very difficult to rehabilitate once removed from their natural habitat and taking them into captivity can do more harm than good.

"No matter how hard you try, you cannot look after a young animal as well as its parents.

"If you find a healthy baby animal on its own and you really want to help, leave it alone - if you're worried come back later and check whether all is well."

Hedgehogs are mainly nocturnal, so if found wandering in daylight are likely to be sick or wounded.

In this case, the RSPCA said hedgehogs should be taken to the nearest vets.